In terms of crazy adventures and late nights out, this summer was mediocre at best. By way of learning and discovering, this summer tops the charts.
If I could do it again, I would make no hesitation to start from Day 1. My four years at SI were the best four years of my life. Unfortunately, like most great things, I only recognized the fact in hindsight.
If I could... I would be involved in the campus community from the beginning. I would talk to people in my classes and form actual friendships. I would go to class each day and bask in learning from some of the most inspirational teachers in the world. I would go to FML every week from the start. I would allow myself to face social justice issues. I would put my talent to good use in the community. I would cheer on our Wildcats at as many sporting events as possible. If I could...
I read the blog of a friend's friend who recently walked the halls of SI as a visitor. She said that she finally understood the reason why two alumni she knew were so passionate about their high school. "It's beautiful. You can see the ocean. I want to send my kids here." And I realize that no visitor will ever understand. The beauty of our campus is a distant second to the lasting experience each graduate endures through their time at SI.
Today I visited our campus once more and found myself drawn in yet again. Every time I go back, I know for sure that it is where I want to be.
This summer I've run into so many '05 alumni. Some best friends. Some I had short-term bonds with. Some I hardly even talked to while at SI. Yet every time it happens, we stop and have a conversation that goes beyond the "so... college" awkwardness. They have long-term goals. They are going abroad for significant periods of time. They casually mention grad school. They are doing something with their lives.
It really comes as no surprise as so many SI alumni before us have become successful in all factions of life: from Broadway to Wall Street, television to fashion, teachers to lawyers. I'm sure several high schools can say that about their alumni. Yet SI still has something more.
Students, teachers, administration, and alumni search for more. They are successful because they actively listen to their calling and work passionately toward something greater than themselves. They act in order to fulfill their purpose. Purpose comes first. Recognition last.
Then it hit me..
"We are SI." We've said it thousands of times. It was the theme of one of our yearbooks (2001-02). But it finally makes sense to me. When you get SI, you find it in you and in others who get it too.
We are SI. And I thank you for showing me that my time has not yet run out. :)
